When choosing an interior design element such as curtains for a balcony, you should think about the functional features of the room. A beautifully and tastefully decorated balcony or loggia with elegantly decorated windows becomes an independent recreation area.
Curtains for the balcony help complete the intended image of the room, significantly change its appearance and create a cozy atmosphere on the loggia.
Features of the design of balconies and loggias
The modern design of additional decor for the windows of a balcony or loggia must meet the following requirements:
- resistance to moisture, dust, direct sunlight, high temperatures throughout the day;
- increased fabric density, in the case of decorating windows that face the sunny side;
- ability to freely pass air flows;
- curtains on a loggia or balcony should not interfere with the process of opening (closing) transoms and window mechanisms;
- versatility and ease of care;
- aesthetic appearance.
When choosing balcony curtains or tulle, you should be guided by the unspoken rule of harmony with the general direction of the room design.
A little about roller blinds
Roller blinds, with their interesting and stylish appearance, are suitable for almost all rooms. With all their functionality and practicality, they are able to add a touch of originality and sophistication to the interior, thereby refreshing it.
Undeniable advantages
- the design has a simple control mechanism;
- There is always the opportunity to choose the color of the fabric to match the interior of the room;
- easy to install on any type of window;
- You can easily and simply sew it yourself.
Caring for roller blinds
Buying or sewing and hanging a product is only half the battle. He still needs to be looked after. There are no problems in caring for roller blinds.
If necessary, the curtain installation mechanism is removed, which is quite simple to do for any design. The shaft and weighting agent are pulled out of the product. To do this, the fabric is slightly trimmed on their side. The product is washed, dried, ironed and installed on the window frame. Roller blinds once again shine clean and smell fresh.
The main types of curtains suitable for decorating balconies and loggias
“Clothing” for window decoration can be different, depending on preferences, stylistic decisions, and functional purpose:
- universal blinds (horizontal and vertical);
- fabric roller blinds or roller blinds;
- classic straight curtains;
- bamboo textiles;
- thread curtains;
- pleated curtains;
- Roman (Greek) textiles;
It is advisable to decorate a small balcony in an apartment with simple and laconic models and abandon thick curtains and lambrequins.
Blinds are the most versatile type of window design
Blinds have played a dominant role in design decisions for window space design for many years. Blinds protect the room from direct sunlight, so the room does not overheat.
Special impregnations minimize the negative effects of moisture, dust, and dirt.
Blinds can be made of different materials:
- natural wood;
- universal plastic;
- functional aluminum;
- synthetic fabric - polyester.
Modern blinds are available in horizontal and vertical versions.
Vertical blinds are distinguished by many dominant functions: light tightness, ease of maintenance, reliability, resistance to mechanical deformation.
Note! Fabric blinds, thanks to the exclusive impregnation composition, do not fade in the sun at all, repel dust, and are absolutely resistant to moisture.
For balconies located on the south side, it is better to choose products made from denser materials.
Manufacturers of fabric blinds never cease to amaze with exquisite color solutions for window decoration: from simple application of one color to photo masterpieces and designs with a 3D effect.
Roller blinds - the ability to adjust the light level
If you need to resolve the issue of adjusting the light level, feel free to give preference to fabric roller blinds (roller blinds). This type of window decoration can be made from super-dense fabrics (for ideal protection from direct sunlight) to translucent ones (for rooms with low levels of natural light).
Roll curtains are a rectangular piece of fabric that is wound on a roller.
The size (length) of fabric roller blinds is adjusted using a weighting agent.
Additional Information. Elite models of fabric roller blinds are equipped with a revolutionary “day-night” system, a cassette assembly that ensures a tight fit of textiles to the window block.
Curtains should not only be in harmony with the various elements of the loggia’s interior, but also correspond to the characteristics of this room.
Classic straight curtains - eternal values
A huge number of modern innovations in the world of window textiles do not displace classic straight curtains from a number of the most popular and popular ways of decorating windows (including balconies or loggias).
Curtains radically change the design of a room and give it a very stylish look.
Depending on your taste preferences, you can choose:
- transparent tulle on the balcony;
- stylish veil;
- modest curtains on the balcony;
- thick curtain;
- combine curtain and tulle.
Perfectly transmit air and sunlight.
Note. The presence of a lambrequin in the limited space of a loggia or balcony will visually make the room smaller and “crush” with the massiveness of the structure.
Eco-friendly bamboo textiles are the key to cleanliness and comfort
The main advantage of bamboo textiles, from which roller blinds, fabric roller shutters and blinds are made, is the material’s resistance to the appearance and development of mold.
Bamboo window decor has excellent contact with moisture, sunlight and ultraviolet rays, does not deform for a long time, does not lose color or shape.
Exquisite thread curtains - an example of inimitable grace
The leader of exquisite taste can be called thread curtains, which can be assembled from threads of various weaves, wooden inserts, beads, and rhinestones.
They have excellent breathability and prevent the penetration of sunlight well.
There are many design options:
- textile thread curtains, twisted in the form of a spiral;
- rainbow thread curtains (the colors of textile threads gradually replace each other, creating a rainbow effect);
- curtains in the form of rain from muslin (lurex stripes are woven into the main threads, which create the effect of rain).
Kisey on a cornice with a ceiling mount will look especially great on large loggias.
Pleated curtains
Pleated curtains are a relatively new design option for window space, great for a balcony or loggia. In this case, a standard rectangle made of folded material (paper, fabric) ends in a semicircular arch at the top of the window. The semicircular part is designed in the form of a spectacular fan, giving the interior a special sophistication and “zest”.
Such models are especially suitable for loggias located on the south side.
Additional Information. This type of window decoration, such as pleated curtains, is an ideal option for decorating “complex” window spaces, such as windows with geometry in the shape of a circle, trapezoid, or arch.
Roman textiles - restraint, elegance
When choosing Roman textiles for decorating the windows of a balcony or loggia, you should take into account the fact that the modern industry offers a huge amount of different textiles for sewing such “window clothes”. The shape of the Roman blind is a classic accordion, which is held in the folded position using a control system.
When raised, Roman fabrics create graceful draperies.
Roman blinds can be:
- classic - with smooth, overlapping folds;
- cascading - with voluminous horizontal folds even when open;
- without a frame - with free sagging of the folds in the center.
How long does it take to dry?
In order not to incur extra costs and not lose performance, you need to choose the right product. Remember that not all types of primer are suitable for indoor use. The appropriate consumption is determined by the type of coating.
Each type of primer has its own characteristics, which determine the drying time:
The composition of acrylic primer includes a large number of components: from dyes and binding resins to antiseptic additives (for example, chalk or biocide). The amount of each substance is not constant. This affects how dense the solution will be. Acrylic primer soaks well and penetrates into small crevices, resulting in good adhesion for concrete bases, as well as plaster, brick, plywood and wood.
Often such products are used when working in the bathroom and kitchen. This mixture is characterized by its absence of odor and short drying time, not exceeding 4 hours. The main manufacturers are Knauf and Ceresit. To work on non-smooth substrates, use products from the Olympic manufacturer, which are distinguished by their versatility.
Among the components of this type of primer there are a large number of impurities that speed up drying. The average hardening time at a temperature of 20 degrees is 1 hour. The companies Cersanit, APP and Artelit are considered to be the highest quality and most versatile.
Curtain options for a balcony or loggia
There are a huge number of real options for decorating the windows of a balcony or loggia. Recognized interior design geniuses present many different options to the audience. At the same time, each specific type of glazed balcony or loggia provides for certain rules for decorating with textiles.
Due to the ability to adjust the length, such curtains are also a suitable option for decorating a balcony.
Basic models of curtains and tulle for classic rectangular plastic windows
If an ordinary rectangular plastic window is chosen as the glazing of a balcony or loggia, the simplest and most acceptable design option can be called classic tulle. This material will help hide your privacy from prying eyes and reduce the penetration of sunlight into the room. At the same time, the tulle maintains a level of natural light that is pleasing to the eye. There are a huge number of types and textures of tulle:
- organza;
- net;
- veil.
The texture of the material should be translucent so as not to darken the room, and the color scheme should be light pastel colors to give the greatest volume to the room.
If the window sill on the balcony or loggia protrudes strongly into the room, you should pay attention to short curtain models.
Modern methods of attaching tulle allow you to decorate a window without drilling or a cornice. Use a string hanging system or plastic hooks and loops.
If the room is large, you can hang a universal curtain rod.
If you need to make accents, you can hang classic curtains on the balcony on top of the tulle at the edges of the window.
Ordinary plastic windows are universal designs for which any decor options are appropriate and acceptable: from classic tulle and curtains, to more modern Roman (Greek) curtains, roller blinds, thread curtains, blinds of various modifications.
What curtains are suitable for a sliding balcony window?
Many designers prefer to decorate sliding windows on a balcony or loggia using blinds, roller blinds and Greek curtains, which have additional fastenings and are easy to raise and lower. The main feature of a sliding balcony window is that curtains can only be attached to movable window frames. In this case, the structures that drive the blinds and curtains in the form of rolls are attached to the wall (if there is free space) or to the ceiling (the most acceptable and widely used option).
Roller blinds with varying degrees of light transmission perfectly protect the loggia from the scorching rays of the sun.
Features of Roman blinds for decorating windows on a balcony or loggia
Roman blinds look elegant and sophisticated on a balcony or loggia of any size. They are compact and easy to use. If you need to add sunlight to the room, Roman blinds can be folded. They do not interfere with the opening/closing of window sashes. They are easy to care for.
In the lowered position, they fit snugly against the window and occupy a minimum of balcony space.
There are three main types of Roman (Greek) curtains:
- classic, made in the form of a smooth canvas of any size with stiffening ribs (help to keep its shape), which when folded form an accordion;
- frameless, made without stiffeners, folded using a cord;
- cascading, made in the likeness of the classic ones, but when folded, each subsequent coattail cascades onto the previous one.
The modern textile industry offers a huge number of different materials from which Roman blinds are made: cambric, linen, cotton, polyester. Greek curtains made of natural bamboo or wood look very impressive and exotic.
Options for decorating curtains for a French balcony
An extravagant French balcony requires a special design solution when decorated with curtains or tulle.
The most elegant look on panoramic window blocks is transparent or translucent, weightless tulle, which will protect from bright sunlight and dust.
If you need to “let in” a lot of sunlight into the room, opt for exquisite classic curtains that go all the way to the floor. They will visually make the room taller.
Thread curtains made of textiles, beads, glass, and wood look very impressive and gentle on French balconies. The photo shows options for tulle and curtains for a large loggia of 6 meters, with a French glazing option.
Tips for choosing
If you have never encountered roller blinds before, but want to choose the best option for yourself, then listen to our advice. They will help you find the best option. We will present the main parameters when choosing curtains. It will be necessary to decide on each of them. Then from all the variety you can choose your ideal option.
- Style. If your entire apartment is designed in a certain style, then the balcony should support this trend.
- Fastening. For sliding structures, a ceiling mount is suitable, and for folding ones, you can use almost any one.
- Darkness. The degree of shading (transparency of the canvas) is selected based on the illumination of the balcony during the day. Reverse transparency is also worth considering. In the evening you will be clearly visible from the street if you choose minimal darkness.
- Reliability of the company. Before purchasing from any company, check its reliability, read reviews, and ask friends and acquaintances. French roller blinds are one of the leaders on the market, but our domestic manufacturers are also trustworthy.
- Quality of fabric and fastenings. Don't skimp on quality. Good quality roller blinds will serve you faithfully for many years.
Basic ideas for curtains for the sunny side of the balcony
If the balcony or loggia is located on the sunny side, the curtains should perform the main function - protection from scorching sun rays, ultraviolet radiation, and from overheating of the room.
Universal designs will most successfully cope with this task:
- horizontal or vertical blinds;
- Roman (Greek) curtains;
- fabric blinds (roller blinds);
- pleated curtains.
On cloudy days, the structures can be raised to enhance natural light.
But don’t write off classic textile curtains and thick tulle, which also provide excellent protection from the sun and overheating.
As for the color scheme, designers recommend abandoning rich dark shades of blue, black, burgundy, and brown. When decorating balconies located on the sunny side with curtains, you should give preference to delicate and light colors: blue, light green, yellow, orange, lilac, beige, white.
Color solutions
The balcony is a continuation of the room, so it should not stylistically stand out from the overall image. The color and pattern of the curtains should match the interior decoration and furniture. It is not recommended to use too dark colors on loggias: black, blue, brown, purple. They visually “eat up” the space, making it heavy and “oppressive”. In addition, on the south side such curtains will attract sunlight and accumulate heat. It will be stuffy and hot on such a balcony.
If the interior of the loggia and the adjacent room requires dark-colored curtains, then a good option would be to use double-sided products. The light side will face outward, the dark side will face inward.
For this reason, you should not use bright flashy colors and patterns. It is better to give preference to solid neutral colors and muted prints. Light fabrics visually increase the space. Vertical stripes “stretch” the height, and horizontal stripes “stretch” the width.
How to hang curtains and tulle on the balcony with your own hands
If you decide to hang curtains or tulle on a balcony or loggia with your own hands, you should pay attention to several well-known mounting methods:
Classic textile curtains can be secured using a profile, slatted, or string curtain rod.
A ribbon with built-in loops must be sewn onto the top of the curtain or tulle to secure the textile to the curtain rod. Modern ribbons have a double row of loops and a cord for adjusting the quantity, frequency, folds, as well as the overall width of the product.
Roman blinds are attached using holes. In order not to spoil plastic windows and not to break the seal, it is better to use Velcro or mounting adhesive (Roman blinds are glued to the surface of the double-glazed window frame).
The photo shows a balcony with windows decorated with Roman blinds.
The horizontal cornice of blinds or fabric roller shutters is best attached to the ceiling using special runners. To extend the life of sliding mechanisms, pay attention to durable metal structures.
Construction type
The best curtains for windows with a balcony door are those that don't have to be constantly pulled back to get through. In other words, multi-layer options with a transparent veil or tulle covering the entire length of the wall are not suitable for this. It is extremely inconvenient to go out onto the balcony every time, especially if it is used frequently. Ideally, combined options are used to design such structures.
Thread curtains that stretch across the body until their length is exhausted are also not particularly convenient. Imagine how inconvenient this is when, say, you need to hang laundry on the balcony or the glass balcony is used as a summer dining room. Just like the veil, these models interfere with watering flowers located on the windowsill. And if we consider the degree of their protection from prying eyes, then in this they are inferior to all available types of curtains. It's decor, nothing more.
At the same time, standard techniques for decorating windows involve the use of curtains for the window itself and panels to cover the entire wall. If the presence of a veil is important, designers suggest dividing it into two parts, lifting it onto a grab bar and draping the one located in front of the door. This approach to design allows, to some extent, to provide free access to the operation of the door without detracting from the aesthetics of the curtain.
How to sew curtains for a balcony or loggia with your own hands
In order to sew ordinary curtains for a balcony or loggia with your own hands, it is enough to have three components:
- desires, your own exclusive decor ideas;
- sewing machine, fabric, thread, accessories;
- minimal sewing skills on a sewing machine.
First, you need to take measurements of the window, or the space where you want to place future curtains.
The height and width of the product are important.
Secondly, when purchasing fabric, you must add to the measurements obtained: height - 1.5-2 cm for processing cuts; in width - multiply the resulting value by 2 to obtain beautiful folds on the finished curtain.
Thirdly, it is necessary to process the side sections on a sewing machine using ready-made bias tape of the appropriate color. Sew a ribbon with hooks for fastening and a cord for tightening the product to the top of the curtain.
Making blinds from leftover non-woven wallpaper
Non-woven fabric is durable due to its composite non-woven cellulose layer.
The upper textured finish gives the product incredible impact. The wear-resistant material has a low price and can be combined with other curtains. It is characterized by fire safety, ease of manufacture, low price, and versatility in fastening. After measuring and preparing the canvas, you can begin installation. For work you will need - rope, tape, scissors, stationery knife, tape, awl, ruler. Next you need to take the following steps:
- the workpiece is pleated 3-5 cm;
- A rope is passed along the canvas through the holes made with an awl;
- the upper end of the cord is fixed with tape;
- The curtains are attached to the base using self-tapping screws.
You can sew a balcony curtain yourself: recommendations from a seamstress
A balcony is a place that can serve not only as a space for storing unnecessary rubbish, but also be used as a full-fledged recreation area or study.
Upon completion of the main work to transform the balcony into a cozy room - repairs, insulation, wall decoration, it is necessary to pay attention to the design of the window opening, namely, choose beautiful and comfortable curtains that will be the finishing touch of its interior. Balcony window
From this article you will learn how to make curtains for the balcony with your own hands. We will look at popular styles of curtains, decide on the most practical solutions to use, and provide a detailed master class on sewing them.
Types of lifting mechanisms
The lifting mechanism is an important component of the roller blind design.
Outdoor roller blinds are opened and rolled up either manually or using a special electric mechanism.
The following options are available:
- Chain system. The canvas is lifted using a rope, chain or cord. The rope is thrown over the drum and then attached to the bottom of the canvas. When the cord is pulled, the roller begins to rotate, raising or lowering the blinds. In order to fix the curtain in a certain position, use clips, garters or other holders. Such designs are valued for their affordable cost and long service life - very reliable systems.
- Spring. Such a system can be installed both from above and below, and can be attached to both sides. When attached from the side, you can use fabric with varying degrees of light transmission and the result is a very functional “day-night” design. The function of the chain can be handled by a handle installed on the lower plumb line. In general, the design is convenient, the main drawback is that the springs quickly fail.
- Electrically driven. The undisputed leader in convenience, very easy to use. However, you have to pay for a high degree of comfort - these are the most expensive designs. The canvas is folded and unfolded by an electric motor, which is activated by a button or remotely. Most often, such mechanisms are used for panoramic windows, or for high and wide window openings.
In most cases, rolls are fixed using tape or magnetic strips.
If you decide to create rolls with your own hands, you will have to be content with a chain control system. More functional spring or electric drive models are better purchased ready-made. As a last resort, you can then change the canvas to the one you like.
Wired electric curtain rod is the simplest device.From function to decor
Blinds occupy a special place in this area of decoration. Extremely simple or combined sun protection systems with wide or narrow slats are especially valued for their space-saving, practicality and attractive simplicity.
Often, curtains for a balcony door are made from ordinary tulle. This guarantees lightness to the image, high-quality natural lighting of the room, and maximum free space.
Almost anything can be used as materials. The most popular solutions are:
The decor of the window opening should emphasize the advantages of the layout, mask its shortcomings, harmoniously combine all interior items and correspond to the purpose of the room. To facilitate the selection of the optimal option, experts have compiled a list of design solutions that are ideal for certain premises.
Those who are strong in this matter can experiment with velvet or suede textiles (it is not recommended to buy lucky cat owners, because their fur very easily sticks to such products and spoils their appearance).
Light fabric requires constant care and monthly washing, which causes some difficulties.
If you don’t think about it, then it seems that there is no simpler solution. At the same time, not observing the slightest details can spoil the overall impression of the whole picture.
How to take measurements correctly?
Correctly determining the size of future curtains is half the success. First measure the curtain rod. Its length will be equal to the width of the finished curtain. The length of the curtain can be up to the window sill or to the floor depending on your preference.
Now you need to calculate the amount of material required according to the following scheme:
Add 20 cm to the length of the fabric for hems. In order to determine the width of the fabric, it is necessary to decide how the curtain will be sewn: will it be with eyelets, with drapery, or will it be a smooth fabric. Most often, the drapery coefficient is two.
When purchasing material, remember that the remaining scraps can be used as decoration, but if there is not enough fabric, you will have significant problems, so it is better to purchase material with a reserve.
External roller shutters
These structures, which are not only protection from the sun, but also from prying eyes, mechanical damage to the glass on the balcony, as well as burglary and unauthorized entry of ill-wishers into the room, are designed on the principle of roller blinds. Can be adjusted manually or automatically using the remote control. They are most often made from aluminum or steel profiles that can withstand the negative influence of environmental factors - changes in air temperature, wind and dust, precipitation. In winter, they will serve as a means of thermal insulation of the room. At night, they help protect the room from the penetration of extraneous noise from outside.
